News

Watson won`t play for Boks again

Wednesday 12th November 2008

'It's a privilege to represent this nation

Controversial former Springbok loose forward Luke Watson says he will not play for the national side again, unless they use an emblem that represents "the entire country" - assuming of course that he is ever selected again.

Following the farce that was his disciplinary hearing at Newlands in Cape Town that fizzled out into an embarrassing non-event for SARU, Watson said he wanted to play for South Africa again, but not under the Springbok emblem.

"I would love to play for South Africa again. There can be no bigger honour. This country symbolises hope and it's a privilege to represent this nation," Watson told Die Burger.

"In terms of my principles I won't be able to play under the Springbok as national emblem. If there is a national emblem that represents everybody, I will play for South Africa with pride, honour and dignity.

"I am incredibly passionate about South Africa, as a nation, as a people. I believe we have the potential to rise above all the adversity, as we have done in the past. Fortunately, or unfortunately, I am completely sold on this nation. I never envisage going overseas."

Watson also took the opportunity to take a swipe at SARU, the press and the "incompetence" that accompanied the bringing of charges against him.

"I am delighted with the outcome. It's a pity SARU saw their way open to obtaining an unauthorised and incomplete recording on a cellular phone from a third party and wanted to use it against me," he said.

"I deplore the incompetence that has surrounded the pressing of charges against me. They were null and void from the outset.

"I am grateful to my family, friends and many South Africans that supported me."

SARU said in a statement on Tuesday that it did not consider the case closed.

Secretary of the Transformation and Anti-racism Rugby Committee, Dr Asad Bhorat, an outspoken critic of SARU's approach to transformation, travelled from Johannesburg to support Watson.

Bhorat described the case as a "witch hunt" on Watson and said "other political agendas" were at play.

Cedrick Frolick, speaking on behalf of the ANC Study Group on the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sport, called on SA Rugby to apologise to Watson.

"Everybody that found Luke guilty even before the hearing took place, should apologise," said Frolick.

"Luke is only 25, but has enormous credibility in non-racial rugby circles. However, a young person can only take so much. There was an orchestrated campaign against him.

"Luke is available for the national team again because the process restored his dignity."